News Analysis India

Category: Nation

  • ‘You Will Always Remain A Hero’: Congress As Manmohan Singh Retires From Rajya Sabha |

    New Delhi: In a poignant farewell gesture, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge penned a heartfelt letter to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, marking his retirement from the Rajya Sabha. In the two-page missive, Kharge reflected on Singh’s remarkable three-decade-long tenure, acknowledging the ”end of an era” in Indian politics. Kharge reminisced about Singh’s global recognition, citing President Obama’s open acknowledgement of the former Prime Minister’s influential voice on the world stage. He expressed personal gratitude for Singh’s counsel and wisdom during his own leadership roles within the Congress Party, praising Singh’s unwavering commitment despite personal challenges.

    In his two-page letter to the former PM, the Congress chief said, “After having served for more than three decades, an era has come to an end.” “I remember President Obama mentioning about you that Whenever the Indian Prime Minister speaks, the whole world listens to him,” Kharge said in the post.

    “Personally, it has been a privilege for me to have been a part of your cabinet. Over the last 10 years, while I have been the leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, you have always been a source of wisdom and someone whose advice I valued. Over the last few years, you have made it a point to be available for the Congress party despite personal inconveniences. For this, the party and I will always remain grateful,” Kharge wrote.

     

    My letter to Former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh ji as he retires from Rajya Sabha, today.

    As you retire today from the Rajya Sabha after having served for more than three decades, an era comes to an end. Very few people can say they have served our nation with more… pic.twitter.com/jSgfwp4cPQ


    — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 2, 2024

     

    Manmohan Singh’s Legacy

    Singh’s departure leaves a void characterized by his quiet yet profound dignity, which Kharge believes the current political landscape sorely lacks. He lauded Singh’s statesmanship, contrasting it with the divisive rhetoric prevalent today.

    The letter highlighted Singh’s principled critique of policies such as demonetization, emphasizing his ability to dissent with grace and substance. Kharge expressed confidence that history would vindicate Singh’s stance, likening the truth to celestial bodies that cannot be obscured indefinitely.

    A Hero To Middle-Class

    Describing Singh as a hero to various segments of society, Kharge lauded his role in uplifting the middle class, inspiring the youth, and guiding industrialists and entrepreneurs. He credited Singh’s economic policies with lifting millions out of poverty, contrasting this with perceived reluctance by the current regime to acknowledge his contributions.

    Impact Of His Policies On Public

    Kharge praised Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister and Prime Minister, citing achievements such as poverty alleviation and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He credited Singh with enacting policies that empowered rural communities and ensured dignified livelihoods during crises. “Thanks to your policies, India was able to lift 27 crore people, the highest number of poor people out of poverty in the world while you were the Prime Minister. The MGNREGA scheme…continues to provide relief to the rural workers during times of crisis. The nation and particularly the rural poor will always remember you for ensuring that they can earn a living and live with self-respect through this scheme,” he said.

    Despite retiring from active politics, Kharge expressed hope that Singh would remain a beacon of wisdom and moral guidance for the nation. He wished Singh peace, health, and happiness in his future endeavours, underlining his enduring importance as a voice of reason in Indian discourse. “Over the last few years, you have made it a point to be available for the Congress party despite personal inconveniences. For this, the party and I will always remain grateful,” he said. Kharge further wrote even as you retire from active politics, I hope that you will continue to be the voice of wisdom and moral compass to the nation by speaking to the citizens of our country as often as possible. I wish you peace, health and happiness. 

  • Jammu And Kashmir: Police Arrests 3 Terrorist Associates In Sopore |

    The Jammu Kashmir Police in Sopore have, along with other security forces, arrested 3 terrorist associates and recovered a pistol and other incriminating materials from their possession. A Police Spokesman stated, “Police, along with Army (22RR) & CRPF (179BN), at a joint checkpoint established at Fruit Mandi crossing, noticed 3 suspicious persons attempting to flee from the spot. However, the alert joint party tactfully apprehended them.”

    The arrested individuals were identified as Faisal Ahmad Kachroo, son of Farooq Ahmad Kachroo, resident of Baba Yousuf Sopore; Aquib Mehraj Kana, son of Mehraj din Kana, resident of Sangrama Sopore; and Adil Akber Gojree, son of Akbar Gojree, resident of Kushal Matoo Sopore.

    During a search, a pistol, mobile phones, and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. It is pertinent to mention here that the trio failed to justify the contents of their phones, which contained incriminating evidence.

    Accordingly, a case under FIR No. 68/2024, under relevant sections of the law, has been registered at Police Station Sopore, and an investigation has been initiated.

  • `Rahul Gandhi Should Fight From BJP`s Stronghold, Not From Kerala`: CPI(M) Slams Congress

    CPI (M) leader Subhashini Ali raised a question regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and asked why the Congress leader is not fighting from the BJP stronghold.
     
     

  • `Shocked By Betrayal` BJP MP Ajay Nishad Quits Party Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls

    Ajay Nishad was reportedly miffed with the BJP after he was denied a ticket from Muzaffarpur.

  • ‘Happy To Be In BJP’: Maneka Gandhi’s First Reaction After Son Varun Gandhi Denied Ticket From Pilibhit |

    Sultanpur: Days after BJP MP Varun Gandhi was denied a ticket from his constituency, his mother and BJP MP Maneka Gandhi, on her 10-day visit to Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur, broke silence and expressed happiness to be a part of the party. On being asked what Varun Gandhi would do now, she replied, “Ask him what he wants to do. We will consider this after the elections. There is time.”

    “I am very happy that I am in the BJP. I thank Amit Shah, PM Modi and JP Nadda Ji for giving me the ticket. The ticket was announced very late, so there was a dilemma as to where I should fight. From Pilibhit or Sultanpur. I am grateful for the decision the party has taken now,” she said.

    She further added, “I am very happy that I came back to Sultanpur because this place has a history where no MP came back into power again in Sultanpur.”

    It was her first visit to Sultanpur after getting the ticket. On her 10-day visit to the district, she will pay a visit to 101 villages of the entire Lok Sabha constituency.

    She was given a warm welcome by the party leaders and workers at various places like Katka Guptarganj, Tatianagar, Tedhui, Golaghat, Shahganj Square, Dariyapur Tiraha and Payagipur Square.

    During this, Maneka Gandhi also paid respect to the statues of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.

    BJP District President Dr RA Verma, BJP State Minister Meena Choubey, Lok Sabha in-charge Durgesh Tripathi, Lok Sabha convenor Jagjit Singh Changu, MLA Raj Prasad Upadhyay, MLA Rajesh Gautam, and spokesperson Vijay Raghuvanshi, were present.

    Earlier, Varun Gandhi penned a heartfelt letter to the people of his constituency, saying that his relationship with Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit will not end till his last breath. Varun Gandhi recalled fond memories dating back to his childhood when he first set foot in the region. In his heartfelt message, he also reflected on how the land had become not just his workplace but also a cherished part of his identity, with its people forming an integral aspect of his life’s journey.

    Despite the political setback of not securing a ticket, Varun Gandhi vowed to continue serving the community. “If not as an MP, then as a son, I am committed to serve you throughout my life and my doors will always remain open for you as before.”

    The Pilibhit seat has remained with Maneka Gandhi or her son Varun Gandhi since 1996. Varun Gandhi won the seat in 2009 and 2019 as a BJP candidate.

  • BJP`s Poll Blitzkrieg: PM Modi To Address Multiple Rallies In Uttarakhand, Rajasthan Tomorrow

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to address the people of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan in his next campaign.
     

  • Arvind Kejriwal Lodged In Tihar Jail No 2: Check His Routine, Facilities In Barrack, Other Details |

    Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been lodged in Tihar Prison’s Jail Number 2 after a city court extended his judicial custody till April 15. Notably, this is the same prison in which Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh was kept but a few days ago, he was moved to Jail number 5. Arvind Kejriwal will be the lone occupant of the Jail number 2. Since his arrest on March 21, the ED has retained custody, hinting at the possibility of requiring further interrogation in the future. 

    Kejriwal To Join Senior AAP Leaders In Tihar

    Arvind Kejriwal joins several other AAP leaders in Tihar. Kejriwal will be in Jail No. 2, while former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will occupy Jail No. 1. Additionally, former Health Minister Satyendar Jain will be in Jail No. 7, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh will be housed in Jail No. 5. Notably, K Kavitha, a prominent leader from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is lodged in Jail No. 6 within the women’s section, facing allegations linked to a Delhi Excise Policy case.

    24 का राजपथ : जेल में केजरीवाल, कैसे चलेगी सरकार ?#24KaRajpath #ArvindKejriwal #AAP #TiharJail@ShobhnaYadava @rajurajjee2 @SinghArvind03 pic.twitter.com/Hqm03rFBKq
    — Zee News (@ZeeNews) April 1, 2024

    Facilities In Tihar Jail Number 2

    The Jail Number 2 will be 24×7 in the CCTV surveillance. His jail barrack will have a bed, drinking water and a cooler to avoid the summer heat. Moreover, Tihar Jail also provides continuous medical support to inmates, including Kejriwal, who struggles with diabetes. Considering his health condition, specific dietary requirements have been sought for Kejriwal. Similar to other inmates, Kejriwal is provided access to television channels broadcasting news, entertainment, and sports, except during scheduled prison activities. The Delhi CM has also requested to be provided with a few books including Ramayana, Mahabharata, Geeta and ‘How Prime Minister Decides’. 


    Arvind Kejriwal’s Routine In Jail

    Arvind Kejriwal’s daily regimen in Tihar Jail follows a stringent timetable, starting promptly at sunrise, around 6:30 am. The day begins with a simple breakfast consisting of tea and slices of bread, followed by possible court appearances or meetings with his legal advisors. At around 10.30 am, he will get rice, vegetable, 5 rotis and pulse. At 3.30 pm, he will be given tea and biscuits. He will be allowed to meet visitors and lawyers at 4pm. The Delhi CM will once again get rice, vegetable, 5 rotis and pulse at 5.30 pm and between 6-7pm, he will have to return to his cell.

  • ‘They Simply Did Not Care…’: S Jaishankar Blasts Congress, DMK Over Katchatheevu |

    New Delhi: An island located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka has emerged as a contentious topic in Indian political discourse. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the issue on Monday and criticized the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for their stance, suggesting they are treating the matter irresponsibly.  

    “Now, every political party in Tamil Nadu has taken a position on this. Two parties, the Congress and the DMK, have approached this matter as though they have no responsibility for it. As though the situation is for today’s central government to resolve, there is no history to this, this has just happened, they are the people who are taking up the cause; that is the way they would like to project it,” stated the External Affairs Minister during a press briefing.  

    The EAM said that over the past two decades, Sri Lanka has detained 6184 Indian fishermen and seized, detained, or apprehended 1175 Indian fishing vessels…Over the last five years, the matters concerning Katchatheevu and the Fisherman’s issue have been consistently brought up in Parliament through questions, debates, and discussions within the consultative committee, he added.  

    “The then CM of Tamil Nadu has written to me numerous times. And my record shows that to the current CM, I have replied 21 times on this issue…It is an issue which has been very much debated in parliament and in the Tamil Nadu circles. It has been the subject of correspondence between the union government and the state government,” said Jaishankar indicating that this issue is not new. It has been ongoing and actively discussed both in Parliament and among Tamil Nadu circles, he said.  

    Jaishankar further slammed the then government of not caring much about the issue. He said, ” We are talking about 1958 and 1960… The main people in the case wanted to make sure that at least we should get the fishing rights… The island was given away in 1974 and the fishing rights were given away in 1976… One, the most basic recurring (aspect) is the indifference shown by the then central government and the PMs about the territory of India…” he added.  

    Historically, the island situated between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka has been utilised by fishermen from both countries. In 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recognized Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory through the “Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement.” The 1974 Agreement concerning historic waters in the Palk Strait and the Palk Bay between Sri Lanka and India officially affirmed Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island. 

  • Weather Update: April Brings Heatwave In MP, Karnataka, Telangana; IMD Issues Warning |

    New Delhi: With the commencement of the Summer season, heatwave conditions are also beginning to hit several parts of the country. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heatwave conditions over Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana states for the next 3-4 days.

    According to IMD’s daily weather bulletin, heat waves are likely to hit isolated pockets over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and North Interior Karnataka from April 2 to April; Rayalaseema from April 1 to April 4 and Telangana on April 1 and 2, 2024.

    As per IMD, warm night conditions will prevail in isolated places over MP, Odisha, Madhya Maharashtra, Maratwad and Telangana during the next 2-3 days. The met department has issued a warning against hot and humid weather over Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam till April 4; and over Odisha from April 2 to April 4, 2024.

    Heat Wave conditions very likely at isolated places of #MadhyaPradesh, #Vidarbha & North Interior #Karnataka during 2nd-4th April, 2024.#HeatWave #WeatherUpdate@moesgoi@DDNewslive@ndmaindia@airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/GnMyekWU2g
    — India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) March 31, 2024

    IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall In North-Eastern States

    Under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam and the Bay of Bengal, heavy rainfall is likely to hit Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during the next 24 hours.

    According to IMD,  fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall/snowfall with isolated thunderstorms and lightning is very likely over Arunachal Pradesh; light to moderate rainfall over Assam & Meghalaya and scattered light to moderate rainfall over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura and Sikkim From April 1 to 4.

  • `Undeclared Emergency Imposed…`: Tejashwi Yadav Hits Out At BJP – Watch

    Tejashwi Yadav questioned PM Modi about his promise of giving two crore jobs every year.